How does the dengue vector Aedes albopictus survive through the winter season in University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan?

Abstract

Mosquitoes are considered as an important vector of various infectious diseases affecting humans, thus having great concerns in public health. The abundance of vector population is very important in the surveillance of diseases in the disease-endemic region. Over 3500 species of mosquitoes have been reported, have huge number of breeding and hiding places. Among them, tree holes are one of the most important breeding places and some are effective for their management. An entomological survey was conducted to estimate the larval populations of Aedes albopictus Skuse (Diptera; Culicidae) in tree holes. A total of sixty trees with tree holes were identified at different sites of the university campus. Dry soil samples were extracted from selected tree holes using a metallic spatula and subsequently transferred into water jars. Among the sixty tree holes surveyed, seven yielded positive results, hosting a sum of 277 larvae. All larval populations were identified as Ae. albopictus. The percentage of larvae from under study trees includes Mangifera indica (42%), Syzygium cumini (37%), Albizia lebbeck (13%), and Alstonia scholaris (8%). The examination of the collected population from the dry soil revealed that the eggs of Ae. albopictus undergo overwintering the dry period and subsequently hatch with the onset of favorable weather conditions, such as late spring and the monsoon period. These insights gleaned from the studies may serve as a catalyst for policy makers and stakeholders in the formulation of comprehensive and efficacious strategies for integrated mosquitoes control strategies to safeguard public health effectively.